The Lioness Roars One Last Time: Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes—One of the fiercest force women’s (among a few others) MMA has ever known —was moved to tears as she was announced as a 2025 UFC Hall of Fame inductee during UFC 314 in Miami.
The moment hit hard. Nunes, 36, stood inside the Kaseya Center, surrounded by fans and family, when the announcement dropped. Her face said it all: this wasn’t just a title—it was a full-circle legacy moment.
A Record-Breaking Reign
Known as “The Lioness,” Nunes built a résumé that might never be touched. Between 2015 and 2021, she didn’t just win—she dominated. Holding and defending both the bantamweight and featherweight titles, she demolished legends like Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, and Holly Holm.
Even when upset by Julianna Peña at UFC 269, Nunes came back stronger. Their rematch? A five-round masterclass that ended with Peña battered and Nunes reclaiming her belt.
From Humble Beginnings to History Maker
Born in Pojuca, Brazil, Amanda’s journey wasn’t paved in gold. Raised by a single mom, she first trained in capoeira and karate before stepping into a Salvador gym where she earned the nickname “Leoa.”
From sleeping on gym mats to owning two UFC belts, Nunes proved that grit beats all. Her career began in 2008, and by the time she retired in 2023, she had already become the only woman in UFC history to defend two titles while holding both.
The Legacy Lives On
Nunes walks away with a 23–5 record, a Hall of Fame honor, and two daughters with her wife, fellow fighter Nina Nunes. The Lioness may be done fighting, but her roar will echo through the Octagon forever.
